Naphalai's Diary: February 28-March 4

Naphalai begins her week with beauty launches and ends it pretty in pink at polo

The good news last week was that it was a four-day week.

I had forgotten that Makha Bucha fell on Thursday, so it was great to find out we would have that day off. Sorely needed, let me tell you, as March is shaping up to be a super busy month. Everyone will be rushing to hold their events before April as there won't be too many days available with lots of public holidays next month.

The week started off with the focus on beauty. L’Oreal Paris presented five key looks for its Parisian Chic campaign at Central World, with each one represented by a celebrity namely Patricia Goode, Maria Poonlertlarp, Vatanika Patamasingh na Ayutthaya, Cherika Chotivichit and Sippothai Chantasiriwat. Brand ambassador Chompoo Araya Hargate also put in an appearance before going to the airport to catch a flight to Paris for Paris Fashion Week.

A Cle de Peau Dinner

That evening, Cle de Peau Beaute held a dinner at Gaysorn Urban Retreat to launch its Firming Serum Supreme. A small group of media and celebrities were the first to try the new serum with its unique 4D boosting technology. We were treated to an entertainment programme accompanied by a cool dancing light show. Welcoming guests were Shiseido Thailand managing director Tatsuki Nagao and Cle de Peau brand manager Yupharet Ketsakhorn.

Some guests at the Cle de Peau dinner, and me with Cle de Peau's Firming Serum

Opening of Wonjin@Gaysorn

There was also a high tea to celebrate the second anniversary of French skincare brand Corine de Farme, held at Oriental Residence. I also stopped by the opening of Wonjin at Gaysorn Tower, the skincare and plastic surgery clinic that aims to bring Korean-style beauty to Thai women. Flying in for the occasion was Dr Park Wonjin, founder of the clinic. With all this spotlight on beauty, it was a bit of a downer to go home and look at myself in the mirror. I could do with a bit of help from these potions and serums... perhaps even the knife, at this stage!

Opening of Wonjin@Gaysorn

Left photo: Dr Park, Thai co-owner Monlahcha Skulthai and doctors

Back to Gaysorn Urban Retreat...

for the collaboration between RADO watches and the fashion brand Kwankao. The Swatch Group Trading Thailand country manager Tipanat Lenbury set up an exhibition of the brand’s latest timepieces for guests to view, followed by a show of Kwankao Svetavimala’s designs inspired by the DNA of the watches. Matthias Breschan, RADO brand president, was no doubt happy with the turnout which saw a large crowd attending.

Kwankao Svetavimala and Matthias Breschan

Auction house Christie’s held a tea...

for a very small group to introduce its general manager Prapavadee Sophonpanich. For many years, Punchalee Phenjati and Yaovanee Nirandara were the ones representing the auction house in Thailand and they are delighted to have found a home for the company at the Renaissance Ratchaprasong Bangkok as well as a capable general manager for it. Prapavadee is a former real estate developer with a passion for art.

With Prapavadee and Punchalee at Christie's

Squeezed in 3 more events

Before the week came to an end, I had also gone to an event to introduce the Betadine football camp with coaches from Manchester City FC at Anantara Siam, another hosted by Moccona coffee to present its new brand ambassador Aum Patchrapa Chaichua at Central World, plus the launch of Kustom Karpets at the Residence, Grand Hyatt Erawan. The last event was hosted by Kasidit Ajanant and Suwapan Wattanavekin, co-owners of the company which deals in carpet and rug solutions. They organised an exhibition of carpets from Iran worth over 10 million baht. With help from their parents (Kasidit is the son of Tipaporn Ajanant and Suwapan the daughter of Supol Wattanavekin) the carpets went, as one would expect, quite fast.

Kustom Karpets launch

Polo on the weekend... as usual (JK)

Saturday was the day of the annual Queen’s Cup Pink Polo at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club near Pattaya. As usual, it was a lovely occasion, with guests dressed in pink outfits and pink hats enjoying a buffet lunch, children’s horse-riding and horseback fashion shows, games and shopping booths, and of course the polo playing itself. Hosts Nunthinee Tanner and Harald Link were joined by Dr Kris and Khunying Finola Chatamras in the activities to raise funds for the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer. It would have been perfect if the weather had cooperated and provided cooler temperatures, but nevertheless those who came had a good time.